Criminal Solicitor - Head of Motoring

p strong Head of Motoring (Partner / Senior Associate / Associate Solicitor) /strong /p p strong Manchester | Hybrid Working | Competitive Salary + Bonus /strong /p p br /p p Our client strong /strong is seeking an ambitious and experienced motoring law specialist to join its highly regarded team at its Manchester based office. This is a unique opportunity for a talented solicitor to lead and grow the firms motoring practice while working within one of the UKs leading criminal defence firms. The firm is open minded as to level - what is more important is your passion and enthusiasm for the role and development of the practice area. /p p br /p p This role is ideal for a solicitor with a strong background in motoring law who is looking to develop their profile, expand a department, and play a key role in the future growth of the practice. /p p br /p p strong The Role /strong /p p You will manage a varied and high-quality caseload of motoring law matters, including: /p ul li Attending police stations for motoring-related voluntary interviews. /li li Preparing and advising on pre-charge motoring cases. /li li Handling Single Justice Procedure Notices (SJPNs) and written plea representations. /li li Managing Magistrates Court matters, including: /li li Drink driving offences /li li Drug driving offences /li li Exceptional hardship applications /li li Conducting Crown Court cases involving: /li li Fatality and serious injury matters /li li Dangerous driving cases /li li Other serious motoring offences /li li Handling appeals from the Magistrates Court to the Crown Court. /li li Advising clients, taking instructions and providing strategic legal guidance. /li li Preparing cases for trial in both the Magistrates Court and Crown Court. /li li Attending Crown Court hearings alongside counsel. /li /ul p br /p p strong Department Growth Business Development /strong /p p This role offers significant opportunities to shape and develop the firms motoring practice. Responsibilities include: /p ul li Growing and developing the motoring law department. /li li Producing content for the firms website, videos and social media channels. /li li Building your personal profile as a recognised specialist motoring lawyer. /li li Working closely with the firms marketing team and external PR support. /li li Training and mentoring colleagues and trainees who wish to develop motoring law expertise. /li /ul p br /p p strong About You /strong /p p Applications are welcomed from Associate Solicitors, Senior Associate Solicitors and Partners with demonstrable experience in motoring law. /p p You will ideally have: /p ul li Significant experience handling a broad range of motoring law matters. /li li Strong client care and advocacy skills. /li li Experience representing clients in the Magistrates Court. /li li The ability to manage complex and sensitive cases. /li li A commercial approach and enthusiasm for developing a specialist practice area. /li li A desire to contribute to training, mentoring and business development initiatives. /li /ul p br /p p Some advocacy will be required, including: /p ul li First appearances /li li Exceptional hardship hearings /li li Guilty plea hearings /li li Case management hearings /li /ul p br /p p strong Whats on Offer? /strong /p ul li Competitive salary with a generous bonus scheme. /li li Flexible hybrid working (typically 2-3 days in the office per week). /li li Modern Manchester city centre offices. /li li Free on-site gym. /li li Employee Assistance Programme for employees and family members. /li li Regular wellbeing initiatives and activities. /li li Ongoing professional development /li li Clear opportunities for career progression and leadership development. /li /ul p br /p